Delco’s Big Burger Bites

August 27th, 2019

Perhaps you like to toss burgers on the grill as a favorite summer pastime. Who doesn’t? In Delco, though, burgers are king year-round, well past barbecue season. We like ‘em big, juicy, sometimes with all the fixins, sometimes with just some ketchup. And we’ve noticed the vegan Impossible Burger is starting to make its way onto the scene in our part of the Commonwealth. (Don’t hate — it’s actually pretty good!)

Looking for a fistful of burger goodness? Throw the family in the car, plan a night out with your squad or make a date at these popular Delco big burger bites.

We don’t like to play favorites, but an informal survey put Charlie’s at the top of the “places to hit” list. That’s because it’s been serving fresh, never frozen, burgers since 1935, as well as hot dogs, grilled cheese and milkshakes still made with Potts Ice Cream and homemade syrups. You won’t find ciabatta buns or fancy accompaniments here; just a memorable burger on a modest roll with simple toppings at old-timey prices. Open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. Closed on select holidays — check its Facebook page for updates.

It’s cliche, but we have to say it: We’re confident the original Wimpy from the Popeye cartoons would definitely ask you to spot him a hamburger at his joint. You can indulge in lots of specialty burgers here — the Cyclops, a bacon cheeseburger topped with a fried egg, or the Haystack Brisket, a burger slathered with cheddar, barbecue beef brisket and coleslaw — but we like to keep it real with the Black and Bleu Burger, because we’re obsessed with these toppings: bacon and blue cheese crumbles on a bed of lettuce with chipotle ranch and battered banana peppers. Crispy cheese fries are a must. Open seven days from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

One family-owned restaurant opened in Crum Lynne in 1984 and has spawned several across Delco, so there’s no excuse to miss out on these two-fisted meals. We like our bun to groan under the weight of the double burger with cheese, two generous patties dripping with cheese and topped with lettuce and tomato. Want to feed a few? Grab a Zac Pack: Four cheeseburgers with ketchup, mustard, onions, lettuce and tomato served with four boneless wings covered in “wacky zacky” sauce. Veggie burgers are also available. Hours vary by location.

Find your favorite Delco Zac’sonline: Crum Lynne, Aston, Folsom and during soccer season at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester; look for theBurger Bus at an event near you, too.

It’s not enough to serve great burgers here; the staff lives to serve “fresh, awesome burgers.” Using only 100% Certified Angus Beef fits that bill and has us drooling. This burger shop is about choices, including premium toppings, stuffed burgers and its signature burger, kissed with HAB secret sauce. Since Philly sports fever grabs our attention all year long, we can’t resist indulging in the Philly Burger: Whiz (that’s Cheez Whiz for out-of-towners), fried onions and jalapeno peppers on a pretzel bun. You can load your veggie burger with toppings, too, and make your pick a combo with fries and a drink. Open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Wait — isn’t this a barbecue joint? Wilson’s is that and so much more, including a growing list of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options, led by the Impossible Burger (with vegan cheese add-ons). We salute our non-meat-eating brothers and sisters who dig the Impossible Burger’s juiciness. Still, we love to order the Delco Burger, a filling half-pound of Black Angus topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion and pickles. We add a side of housemade baked beans and, of course, fries. You could also add the likes of candied bacon, pulled pork or brisket to your sammie. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday.

265 E. Township Line Rd., Upper Darby; (484) 453-8608.

OK, we can already hear you asking, “Where’s Nifty Fifty’s?” Settle down — we gave its tummy-busting burgers a nod here. It most definitely makes the best burgers list!